School Based Management (SBM) and Changing Responsibilities of School Principals in Sri Lanka: Case Study in Colombo District

Abstract

School Based Management (SBM) programme is being implemented since 2006 in the Sri Lankan government schools, and it is titled as the Programme of School Improvement (PSI) in Sri Lanka. This study planed to investigate the changing responsibilities of the principals following the implementation of the Programme of School improvement in the government schools. This study used qualitative inquiry, and a case study approach and survey method also were employed to study the research problem. Data gathered from the Principals, Deputy Principals and Teachers in the schools situated in the Colombo district. Participants were selected using purposive sampling technique. Data gathered using semi structured interviews, questionnaires and document surveys. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. The main research questions were: what changes have occurred in the principal's role with respect to management and administration after the implementation of PSI, and what challenges faced by the principal in the school with respect to management and administration after the implementation of PSI. The findings suggest that there are considerable changes occurred in relation to the responsibilities of the principals of the PSI implemented schools. With the implementation of the PSI several key changes can be identified as: participatory decision making, strategic planning and participation of stakeholders in school management. It seems that sufficient power for making decisions on the above matters has not been delegated to the PSI implemented schools by the higher authority. Principal has a collective and shared responsibility for the decisions made by the SDC. However, most decisions of the SDC are influenced by the principal. The decision making process in the PSI implemented schools is dominated by the principal. Moreover, selection of members for the school development committees is influenced by the principals. It is recommended that to establish a particular supervisory body for monitoring the schools where the PSI is being implemented, and the Principals and the SDC members should be given better training on the Sri Lankan PSI system.